Steve Nash Announces Retirement After 19 NBA Seasons

Steve Nash, one of the most prolific passers in NBA History, has announced his retirement after a 19-year NBA career. The 2-time NBA MVP has been battling injuries the past several seasons, making his tenure with the Lakers one he would like to forget. Many expected his leadership would reignite the Lakers winning ways, but after Dwight Howards departure, Kobe Bryants injury, and his injury.. they could never get things in order.

While he had his obstacles towards the end of his career, during his healthy years he flourished and led both the 2001-02 Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns to the No. 1 ranked offense in the league. His impact didn’t go unnoticed as he went on to be be voted the NBA MVP in back to back seasons in 2005 and 2006.

Nash wrote in his Players Tribune Retirement Article:

“The greatest gift has been to be completely immersed in my passion and striving for something I loved so much — visualizing a ladder, climbing up to my heroes,” Nash, 41, wrote. “The obsession became my best friend. I talked to her, cherished her, fought with her and got knocked on my ass by her.

“And that is what I’m most thankful for in my career. In my entire life, in some ways. Obviously, I value my kids and my family more than the game, but in some ways having this friend — this ever-present pursuit — has made me who I am, taught me and tested me, and given me a mission that feels irreplaceable. I am so thankful. I’ve learned so many invaluable lessons about myself and about life. And of course I still have so much to learn. Another incredible gift.”

Nash retires as the most accurate free throw shooter in NBA history, edging Mark Price’s career mark at 90.4 percent. He also finishes his career with 10,335 assists, third-most in NBA history behind John Stockton and Jason Kidd.